Urgent Care for Ear Pain in Franklin, MA

For first-rate ear infection treatment in Franklin, Massachusetts, choose the experienced providers at PhysicianOne Urgent Care. Our Franklin location is open 365 days per year with extended hours, and we gladly accept walk-in visits. We even offer virtual visits for individuals who wish to speak to a provider from the comfort of their own home. No matter the time of day or night, our team offers urgent care for ear pain.

Ear Infection Symptoms

Ear infections can manifest in various ways, and recognizing the symptoms is crucial for prompt and effective treatment. The type of ear infection often determines the specific symptoms someone may experience. Here's a breakdown of common ear infection symptoms based on the type of infection:

• Otitis media (middle ear infection) – Symptoms can include ear pain, fluid drainage, and temporary hearing loss.
• Otitis externa (swimmer’s ear) – This type of infection can cause itchiness, redness, and swelling in the ear canal, and the ear may be tender or painful to the touch.
• Serous otitis media (fluid in the ear) – Symptoms may include mild hearing impairment, clogged ears, a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear, and, in some cases, balance issues.
• Barotrauma (ear pressure changes) – You may experience ear pain, fullness or pressure in the ear, and hearing changes or discomfort that occurs with pressure or altitude changes.
• Mastoiditis (a complication of ear infections) – This condition can cause pain and tenderness in the mastoid bone, which is located behind the ear. It can also cause a persistent fever as well as drainage from the ear.

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Recognizing these symptoms early allows for timely intervention and reduces the risk of complications. If you or a loved one experience ear pain or any other mild ear infection symptoms, seeking medical attention at PhysicianOne Urgent Care is recommended for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Our experienced healthcare professionals are here to address your ear health needs promptly and effectively. We can also help with ear wax removal and other ear-related conditions.

Ear Infections in Children

Ear infections are common in children, and recognizing the symptoms is vital for timely intervention. While some symptoms overlap with those in adults, there are specific signs to watch for in children, including:

• Fussiness and irritability – Children, especially younger ones, may express discomfort and pain through increased fussiness or irritability. A sudden change in mood, especially coupled with other symptoms, can be indicative of an ear infection.
• Tugging or pulling at their ear(s) – Young children might tug or pull at their ear in an attempt to alleviate the pain or discomfort. Persistent ear-pulling, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, warrants attention.
• Sleep disturbances – Ear pain can disrupt sleep. If a child who usually sleeps well starts having trouble sleeping or wakes up frequently, it could be a sign of an ear infection.
• Fluid drainage – If you notice any fluid draining from the child's ear, it's a clear indication of an ear infection. The drainage might be clear, cloudy, or even tinged with blood.
• Changes in appetite – Ear pain can make chewing and swallowing uncomfortable. A sudden refusal to eat or persistent fussiness during meals could be related to an ear infection.
• Changes in hearing – Children may not always be able to express hearing difficulties verbally. Look for signs of unresponsiveness to sounds that would normally get your child’s attention.
• Balance issues – In severe cases, inner ear infections can affect balance. Watch for signs of unsteadiness or difficulty walking, particularly in toddlers.

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It's important to note that symptoms can vary, and not all children will exhibit the same signs. Additionally, the symptoms of ear infections in children are not always exclusive to this type of infection, so professional evaluation is crucial for an accurate diagnosis.

How Long Do Ear Infections Last?

The duration of an ear infection can vary based on factors such as the type of infection, the age of the individual, and the presence of any underlying health conditions. Generally, viral infections may resolve on their own within a few days to a week, while bacterial infections that are treated with antibiotics often show improvement within 48 to 72 hours.

Ear Infection Treatment Options

The treatment of an ear infection depends on several factors, including the type of infection, its severity, and the age of the individual. Some treatment options include:

• Antibiotics
• Pain management medications
• Warm compresses
• Ear drops
• Observation and symptom management

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In many cases, ear infections can resolve on their own with at-home care. To facilitate a speedy recovery, get plenty of rest and stay adequately hydrated. Keep your head elevated while sleeping to encourage draining, and avoid exposing your ears to excessive moisture. While bathing or showering, keep your ears as dry as possible and try to prevent any water from entering them.

Do You Need to Visit an Urgent Care Center for Ear Pain?

Again, many middle ear infections resolve on their own without the need for medical intervention. However, you should visit PhysicianOne Urgent Care for ear pain if symptoms haven’t improved after 24 hours.

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It’s best to head straight to an emergency room if:

• The pain is especially severe
• There is blood, pus, or another fluid draining from your ear
• A child younger than six months old is experiencing ear infection symptoms

Visit PhysicianOne Urgent Care for Ear Pain Today

For prompt and effective ear pain treatment, visit PhysicianOne Urgent Care’s Franklin location at 648 Old West Central Street, near Starbucks. Whether you’d prefer to book a visit in advance, check in online, or simply walk in, we’ll be ready to provide you with the top-notch ear infection treatment you deserve. 24/7 telehealth is available if you prefer to meet with a PhysicianOne provider from the comfort of home. If an in-person visit is warranted to examine your ear, our team will work with you to get you an expedited visit at the location closest to you. Call us at 860-650-3848 if you have any questions.